Manchester City vs Liverpool Pre Match Thread.

[citytill1die84]

It's a big game, why throw him in at the deep end before he has had time to bed in with the squad?

I can only think that maybe pre season first involves fitness training and not tactical training?

Maybe he's fit but not up to speed for match play?

Thank you gentlemen, I understand both your reasons and I guess I agree but when will he be up to speed and when will he have the tactical training? Surely that comes with 'match practice'? Just my random thoughts. As I have always said, I have faith in Mr Pellegrini, just pondering that's all.

I think it's down to the position he plays. Building an understanding with the rest of the back four is so important. Centre backs rarely settle immediately in the pl, just look at how vidic struggled at United in his first season.

He'll eventually have to be thrown in at the deep end but two or three weeks working with the defenders in training will make it easier

Certainly no need to rush him. Can't understand why anybody would just wanna throw him in ASAP when Demichelis has been brilliant. I'd give him 30 mins next week against Stoke.

 

[jared]

I rarely question Mr Pellegrini's judgement but why is he not playing Mangala? Yes he was in the French squad for the WC but he didn't play so he is not tired. Is he not fit? The reason given 'just started working with the team' is a bit lame really because he has been with us for a while now and others have come straight in when they have been transferred. Just wondering, not criticising, just wondering.

I'm guessing because we've got our two title winning centre halves available and he'll have done next to no work on the following; defending set pieces, offside trap, covering advanced full backs etc.
Bringing a new attacking signing into the team would be one thing, it might make us a bit less fluid or a bit disjointed going forward, but bringing a new defender in and disrupting a settled back line in a game like this could cause serious damage.

Didn't he say in the club interview during the protracted transfer he wasn't training with a club. And just did fitness work on his own in the gym. I'm guessing that played a big part in trying to catch up to the rest

 

[Thanks joe]

We all like to see new signing.. but other then that, what's the rush.. It's not like we haven't got 1 of the best centre back pairings in the league.... When he's ready or when he's needed.. I'm not arsed.. Just be ready MANGALA .. Your at the champions now.. !!!

 

[stonerblue]

Hesitated to post this but WTF
Understood from sources that after the match at Anfield last season the team were subjected to abuse and intimidation after the game.
Giddy scousers I think not, just a club, players and officials hell bent on treating a visiting team with no respect or a trace of civilised behaviour.
No mention of this by our club.
Wonder if this barbaric behaviour prompted our " Humble" statement"
Turn them over on Monday Blues
They are a collection of uneducated chimps basking in a reality based in the past, uncivilised and at heart a disgrace to civilised society.

I hope this story is true- team talk done

what a load of shite. Grow up.

 

[birchwoodgingerste]

From photos of training on MUEN site, four defenders in bibs were

Sagna
MDM
Komps and Clichy


In interview it seems he won't rush Kun back early seemed to get impression best he is going to get is the bench with maybe 30 mins playing time as opposed to 10mins.

My back 4 for sure Clichy against pace no brainer. Obviously Zaba over Sagna but that's fitness.

PHOTO FROM melwood 2 midfielders and 1 striker in bibs and mario struggling to get his on!

 

[chestervegasblue]

I'd play:

Hart

Zabaleta
Kompany
Demichelis
Clichy

Fernandinho
Fernando

Milner
Toure
Silva

Dzeko

Bench:

Caballero
Sagna
Kolarov
Nasri
Navas
Jovetic
Aguero

 

[sam-caddick]

I'd play:

Hart

Zabaleta
Kompany
Demichelis
Clichy

Fernandinho
Fernando

Milner
Toure
Silva

Dzeko

Bench:

Caballero
Sagna
Kolarov
Nasri
Navas
Jovetic
Aguero

I agree with a midfield three of Yaya, Fernandinho and Fernando, but Milner as well? We are home and will need to play some attacking players!

That bench is a sign of negativity because it contains an immense array of attacking talent and Liverpool will sense that in my opinion.

 

[chestervegasblue]

I'd play:

Hart

Zabaleta
Kompany
Demichelis
Clichy

Fernandinho
Fernando

Milner
Toure
Silva

Dzeko

Bench:

Caballero
Sagna
Kolarov
Nasri
Navas
Jovetic
Aguero

I agree with a midfield three of Yaya, Fernandinho and Fernando, but Milner as well? We are home and will need to play some attacking players!

That bench is a sign of negativity because it contains an immense array of attacking talent and Liverpool will sense that in my opinion.

I think putting Yaya that high up the pitch from the start with Silva is going to cause them more problems than Nasri/Navas would. Perhaps it's more 4-3-2-1 than 4-2-3-1, with Milner with Fern and Fern II.

Bring Navas, Aguero and Nasri/Jovetic on later in the game when it's stretched to really make their pace count.

It's all opinions though!

 

[SkyBlueTX]

It seems now that Mario will not be registered in time to play against us, which is hopefully a good thing.

True...confirmed today no Mario for Monday.

 

[Larry Stranger]

I'd play:

Hart

Zabaleta
Kompany
Demichelis
Clichy

Fernandinho
Fernando

Milner
Toure
Silva

Dzeko

Bench:

Caballero
Sagna
Kolarov
Nasri
Navas
Jovetic
Aguero

I agree with a midfield three of Yaya, Fernandinho and Fernando, but Milner as well? We are home and will need to play some attacking players!

That bench is a sign of negativity because it contains an immense array of attacking talent and Liverpool will sense that in my opinion.

I think putting Yaya that high up the pitch from the start with Silva is going to cause them more problems than Nasri/Navas would. Perhaps it's more 4-3-2-1 than 4-2-3-1, with Milner with Fern and Fern II.

Bring Navas, Aguero and Nasri/Jovetic on later in the game when it's stretched to really make their pace count.

It's all opinions though!

At the same time though I think we need Yaya deeper to help with possession to bring the ball forward. Don't know if I'd trust Fernandinho to do that as much. I would really like Fernandinho playing a littler further up running around trying to break up attacks higher up the pitch. When he loses out deeper in midfield like he did with Brazil it can be costly.